Below you can pick the design that you like best, click the link and it will take you to the place where you can get instant access and download your shed plans now.

Shed plans include:

easy to read building plans

materials list

full size rafter templates

door & window framing details and more

What kind of shed plan do you want? Storage shed plans, garden shed plans or maybe extra storage for the garage? By now you are probably pretty sure of what you want and you know that the size of the shed needs to be 12×16, you are just looking for the right shed to download online so that you can start your DIY project. You are ready to start building so let`s move on and take a look at the different designs you can choose from.

Shed plans 12×16 video

Another option is to purchase a product with a bunch of different woodworking plans. Some companies will give you more than 12.500 woodworking plans including shed plans. This might be a good option if you constantly are working on building projects. Just make sure the design and specific measurements that you are looking for is there.

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Now that was a lot of sheds a lot of different designs, hope you found a shed plan that you really like so that you can start to build when ever you are ready.

As you probably know a good foundation is important in any woodworking project, get the right concrete, wood and shed plan and you are good to go. A great thing with these plans are that they come with a material list, just to make it easier on you.

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December 1, 2013

A desire to shop for gable shed plans 12×16 can arise out of many needs. Some homeowners build a shed for utilitarian needs, such as storage space for lawn and garden tools. Telecommuters have been known to build sheds as a home office. Others construct their small buildings to serve as a peaceful retreat or fun playhouse.

Basic sheds are sometimes referred to as barn sheds. These typically include a peaked gable roof and swinging barn-style doors. Features such as windows and ramps can also be incorporated to allow for natural light and make moving heavy wheeled equipment in and out of the shed much easier.

From a design perspective, a basic gable roof is often preferred over flat-roofed buildings when the goal is to use the shed for storage. Modern, flat roofs, on the other hand, look sleek when applied to a lean-to style office shed. Both styles look fantastic when small details such as landscaping and exterior lighting are applied.

Shed Construction & Design

Gable sheds are available in a number of styles and can be constructed from a variety of building materials. Regardless of the style, modern sheds are available in a variety of floor plans and can be built from wood, metal or composite materials. One key to getting the shed design right is to match the style with the materials.

For example, a country garden shed is more suited to a rustic feel than a modern office. Reclaimed wood will fit in much better with the former than the latter. Decorative elements such as trim and window boxes also add a nice finishing touch.

Individuals with construction experience may choose to build a shed from the ground up. Less experienced do-it-yourselfers may opt for a prefabricated shed kit. Either choice is fine, although pre-fab kits typically offer few options. As such, most individuals look to kits when they want to build a basic, no-frills storage shed.

Gable vs. Gambrel Roofs

A traditional gable roof resembles most homes, including a peaked gable roof. They lend themselves well to the addition of decorative touches such as skylights and ornamental moldings if desired.

A gambrel roof is a specialized gable roof style. If you picture a historic, red barn, then a gambrel roof is likely to come to mind. This style is often described as, traditional, utilitarian and picturesque.

The nature of the gambrel roof, which bows outward from a top peak before doing the same when it hits the roof line, allows for additional storage room to be created out of a roof loft. This effect, of course, becomes more pronounced with the size of the shed.

As you can likely tell, there are a variety of shed design possibilities available to suit any need or style. From basic kits to custom plans, anything from the traditional to the whimsical can be achieved. With the number of gable shed plans 12×16 readily available today, you will have no trouble finding the perfect shed for your backyard!

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November 1, 2013

Looking for new and unique DIY shed plans 12×16 ideas? These small buildings are the perfect solution for individuals in need of more space but who do not want to spend a lot of money on a room addition. There are also a number of green-building opportunities in shed construction, such as the choice of sustainable sourced lumber or solar panels to power interior or exterior lights. Living roofs are one of our favorite green ideas.

Green Roofs

When most people think about roof coverings, they think about asphalt shingles or metal sheeting. How about plants? The key is to choose the right type of plants.

No one should plant grass on top of their roofs. Obviously, no one wants to put a mower up there! Succulents, moss, and other sprawling ground cover are good starts. Because soil and plants can be quite heavy, especially when retaining water, it is important to check with a building inspector about codes for living roofs.

So why plant a roof? Losing living groundcover is a consequence of building a shed on the ground. Planting a roof, so to speak, replaces the grass that was lost under a foundation. Layering a thin piece of soil along the roof and covering it with plants act as an organic insulation. The shed stays warm during cooler months and cool when it is warm outside.

In addition, a roof filled with plants attracts wildlife such as butterflies and song birds. Adding a bit of matching landscaping or planted pots near the shed will complete the look. Any nature lover can get on board with this idea!

Practical Considerations

Of course, there are more practical considerations when it comes to choosing the right set of shed plans to meet your needs. To make sure the design you prefer will give you the storage or work space you desire, sketch out a floor plan of everything you plan to store and where. You might be surprised to find how quickly the space fills up!

After you have an idea of the layout, you can choose where to locate doors and windows for optimal entry and light. Double doors the open outwards or an overhead door that rolls up are options past the standard hinged door. Planning for windows can help you locate standing or hanging shelves to ensure all space is optimized.

Curb Appeal

Last but not least, jazz up the shed with a look that matches your home. An exact match is not necessary, but keeping exteriors within the same color palette is often recommended. Likewise, choosing a color found in nature blends in with the natural environment regardless of its shade.

Sheds are great solutions for storage or added work or play rooms. A number of families have gotten years of use from their buildings and many say they do not know what they would have done without them. Isn’t it time you give one a try? Get started with a robust selection of DIY shed plans 12×16 found online.

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October 1, 2013

Deciding on building storage shed 12×16 is a great way to free up space in a garage or home. Wouldn’t it be nice to have room to park the car in the garage where it belongs? Or perhaps clean out the bonus room to use it as a work space? A storage shed can provide a permanent home to garden tools, seasonal lawn equipment and other needed but rarely used items.

Building Storage Shed 12×16

Building a shed is a challenging task for anyone with limited construction experience. However, it can be done with just a little time and preparation. Here are a few common questions to ask before starting a shed building project:

How do I choose the right location for my shed?

What is the best shed design for my needs?

What kinds of tools and materials are required?

Do I need to set the shed on a foundation?

How should I finish the interior and exterior of my shed?

A good set of shed plans can provide answers to these questions.

What to Look For in Shed Plans

A quality set of shed plans is essential to getting the project off the ground and seeing it through to fruition. The first criteria you should look for in a set of shed plans are step-by-step instructions. Detailed shed plans are drawn clearly and have diagrams that make it easy to understand the written instructions.

Before choosing a shed design, look at various models to research the options that will best meet your needs. Individuals who want to build a storage shed typically look to traditional designs like the barn or gable shed. The gable shed is particularly attractive for the additional storage area created by its lofted roof.

If going this route, it may be worth the while to look into hiring a professional contractor to complete the more detailed aspects like the gabled roof. Or, consider a pre-cut shed kit that comes with the roof trusses already built. This will help save time and money in the long run.

Shed Design Options

A lean-to shed is a great storage shed option for individuals who want to complete the project themselves but who lack the skill set, time or resources to erect a complicated gable roof. The lean-to has a simple, sloped roof that is higher in the back than it is the front. These sheds also sit horizontally so are good for sites that are wider than they are deep.

In addition, the lean to offers a fairly modern design that is attractive to young homeowners. Like any shed, it can be finished with paint, stain or siding. The outside is easily dressed up even further by planting a few bushes along the edges or pots of flowers at the sides of the doors.

The best way to start shed construction off right is with a set of shed building plans that answer basic construction and design questions. Quality plans make building storage shed 12×16 an attainable weekend project.

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September 3, 2013

Most homeowners in the market for 12×16 shed plans desire additional storage space or a private work area away from the house. Lately, a third reason homeowners have attributed to their desire to build a shed is to improve the appearance of their backyard. Sheds today are so much more than the plain buildings of the past.

12×16 Shed Plans

Why build a shed?

Do you park outside the garage because there simply is no room left to park inside? Sheds are the perfect solution. Bring the bicycles, garden tools, toys, and seasonal decorations into the shed and free-up more valuable real estate in the garage.

Does your family eat wherever they can find a spot because the kitchen table is piled high with work or hobby materials? Create a work space to give these items a permanent home. You might be surprised how the dedicated work space a shed provides can lead to increased productivity.

A Modern Look and Feel

It is not uncommon for the appearance of the shed to be the number one consideration – even above functionality. A number of people put off building a shed simply because they have an outdated notion of what a shed is in mind. Square, boxy shapes devoid of personality and character come to mind for most homeowners, but sheds today can be so much more.

The basic components to any shed construction process are the floor, four walls, roof and door. From there homeowners can inject their personal style in the size and shape these elements take. Those who prefer modern designs tend to go for the sloped lean-to style roof common to studios. Traditionalists, on the other hand, opt for a gable roof typically found on barns.

From there, homeowners can add porches and landscaping to dress up the outside. Adding a path of brick pavers can visually anchor the shed to elements of the larger yard. Adding side rails and roof overhangs can transform the look of an ordinary shed to a quaint cottage.

Other Uses

Still not convinced? Sheds have been used for everything from game rooms to wine cellars for the guys and sewing rooms to private bath houses for the ladies. Families with young children have turned their shed into playhouses filled with pint-sized furniture and walls painted as chalkboards. Parents of teenagers have found backyard sheds a good way to give kids their privacy while still keeping them close to home.

Unlike a home, sheds are much more adaptable to being completed in stages. If a budget does not allow for interior finishes, those can be added at a later time. In the interim, the main structure can provide valuable storage space.

Choosing the right shed design can be a fun process. Couples can find innovative ways to maximize space and add design details true to their character. A key to success is to consider a shed as an addition to a home more so than an afterthought. With that in mind, building with 12×16 shed plans is sure to be a success.

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April 11, 2013

After the decision to build a shed is made, free 12×16 shed plans are typically the next order of business. A number of no-cost and low-cost shed plans are available today, which is great news for a variety of reasons. Regardless of the intent for the shed – storage or additional work space – or the budget – high or low – a set of plans just right for the situation is well within reach.

There are a number of popular shed designs on the market today. The idea that sheds are a thing of the past or somehow outdated is simply false. Though traditional plans, like those for the barn shed or gable shed certainly do exist, a number of modern structures are also quite popular. Here are a few of the most asked-for shed plans on the market today:

Gambrel Barn

Gable

Lean Tos

Cape Cod

Modern Studio

Make it Unique

It is also possible to customize a set of shed plans. Build a truly unique building to fit an individual need, like a greenhouse shed for a gardener. Or, design the shed to match the look of a home.

If constructing a shed to look like a mini-home is not an option, then perhaps other customizations will do. Windows that allow natural light to flow into a shed are one of the most popular options. Doorways are also customizable; single doors, double doors or one of each at the front and the back of the shed are common.

Less functional but still popular customizations include siding, trim and shingles. Though these items are optional, they can radically change – and typically drastically improve – the look of a shed. The good news is these additions are available to incorporate onto a shed as a budget allows.

Build it Right

Regardless of the final look of the shed, there are few things any good set of shed plans will include. Look for a comprehensive materials list as well as a nailing schedule. The former will ensure a builder – who is oftentimes the novice homeowner – has everything on had before construction begins. The latter provides details important to the construction of the roof, which is often the most difficult piece in an otherwise simple do-it-yourself project.

Another consideration can be summed up in three words: location, location, location. The location is the number one concern of most individuals who purchase a home. Location is equally important when it comes to determining the placement of a shed on a property.

It is always a good idea to check the zoning ordinances in an area when deciding upon a place to build a shed. These local laws give directives such as the maximum size of a shed. Zoning ordinances also state the distances that must be present between the shed and property lines or other structures.

The decision to build a shed is just the first step in a long line of important choices when it comes to making a building one’s own. The good news is, it is easy to get started with a set of free 12×16 shed plans!

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April 5, 2013

Are you considering purchasing gambrel shed plans 12×16size? These buildings provide a number of benefits including adding storage and work space to a property. Read on to learn more about their many great attributes.

Popular Shed Uses

Homeowners who live in an area with cold winters and hot summers know the importance of having the right tools and equipment on hand to take care of their yards. Storage sheds are great because they create a protected space in which to store snow blowers and lawnmowers. By keeping those valuable pieces of machinery in a shed, there is always room to park the car in the garage.

Hobbyists with green thumbs often turn to sheds to provide additional storage for their many garden tools. It really is amazing how much space rakes, shovels and hoes can take up. Adding windows to a shed allows natural light to flood the space, which in turn creates a great place to start seedlings for planting during the growing season.

Building a work bench across one wall of the shed is a great place for the storage and use of other tools like table saws. If the shed is constructed near the main home, it is reasonable to run an extension cord from the home to the shed to supply the electricity needed to power these tools. However, by running electricity from the main home to the shed on a regular basis, a full-fledged work space is always available.

Construction Considerations

There are a number of things to look for when shopping for shed plans. The design is just one component. Taking the time to research shed plans to ensure they include a materials list, a tools list, templates and nailing schedules is always a good idea.

After the plans are decided upon, it is important to choose an appropriate site on which to build the shed. If the site floods easily or if the ground slopes in any which way, it is likely best to stay away from this area. Few things are worse than a flooded shed or cracked foundation, especially when avoidable.

Before construction begins, it is imperative to check both the shed and site comply with local zoning ordinances. These laws instruct homeowners on important matters such as the maximum height of a structure and minimum distance from property lines.

Homeowner can customize the look of a shed in any number of ways. The paint color, trim, siding, shingles, doors and windows are just a few elements to decide upon. Even a ramp to allow for easy transport of heavy, wheeled vehicles into and out of the shed is an option.

A nice thing about gambrel sheds is their traditional look that compliments any home. When someone thinks of a gambrel shed, a vivid red barn with bright white trim might come to mind. However, this style lends itself to any number of gorgeous color combinations. The many options available with gambrel shed plans 12×16 are sure to solve all your space needs!

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March 28, 2013

Are you considering a set of 12×16 gambrel shed plansto meet your storage needs? If so, you are not alone. Gambrel sheds – sometimes called barn sheds because they resembled miniature barns – are one of the most popular shed designs on the market today. Read on to learn more about what makes these sheds so special.

Unique Gambrel Roofs

The key characteristic of a gambrel shed is its unique roof that uses different angles to create visual appeal on the exterior and additional space in the interior. Traditional barn sheds use a gable-style roof with two planes that peak at a center ridgeline and slope downward. Gambrel shed roofs expand the slope of the roof outward to create additional space.

In fact, large gambrel sheds like the 12 x 16 include a loft. This provides upwards of 100 square feet of additional storage space. Smaller gambrel sheds make use of this additional vertical space by incorporating the storage area into the main floor.

A 12×16 shed calls for a one foot roof overhang at the front and rear of the shed. On the sides, the overhang is six inches. Most individuals choose either traditional asphalt singles or modern metal roofing to complete the look.

Gambrel Shed Options

As with any shed, it is necessary to lay a foundation before construction begins. The five foundation choices include concrete slab, concrete block pier, poured concrete pier, precast pier and skid. Then it is on to framing the floor and walls and constructing the roof.

There a number of ways to modify gambrel sheds to fit the needs of any individual or family. One such option is the doors. A 12×16 shed has a space for double doors. The builder can choose a 6’ or 6’ 8” opening.

In addition, the doors can be built along with the shed or purchased free-built from a factory. In this case, hanging the doors upon shed completion is the only step required. The same goes for windows.

Sheds do not require windows, but these options to add natural light are certainly within reach. Most 12 x 16 shed plans call for three standard 2’ by 6” windows. Because they are of a standard size, they are available for purchase from most any window company.

Finally, make the shed your own by sprucing it up with trim and siding. Trim along the door, corners and eves of the rook add a polished look. Most barn plans call for plain, textured plywood siding. To add a bit of flair, add horizontal lap siding or cedar shingles. The options really are endless when it comes to making a shed your own.

When purchasing a set of plans for a gambrel-style shed, make sure the plans include clear instructions in regards to the connections needed to construct the gambrel roof. Clearly defined angles at which the roof should be framed will save a lot of guesswork, frustration and lost time. Remember, there is no skimping on quality when it comes to choosing the perfect 12×16 gambrel shed plans!

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March 22, 2013

You can never have too much storage space, and storage shed plans 12×16size offer the perfect solutions. These multi-functional buildings allow homeowners to store yard and garden tools as well as heavy seasonal equipment like lawnmowers and snow blowers. Additional storage space provided by a shed allows individuals to move items from the garage so they can finally park their car back inside!

Why Build Your Own Storage Shed?

There are a number of reasonable answers to this question. First and foremost, building your own shed is inexpensive. Sheds are also easy to construct and provide an awesome sense of accomplishment when finished.

Sheds provide highly cost-effective solutions for storage problems faced in and around the home. The final cost of building a shed will depend upon its design and size. The 12 x 16 is a larger shed size, so a homeowner can expect to pay a little more.

Still, this solution is much more economical than renting an off-site storage unit or adding on to a home. When looking at it that way, investing in a larger shed makes much more sense than building a smaller shed a family will soon outgrow.

Anyone, from a novice builder to a seasoned pro, can easily build a storage shed by following a good set of plans. Look for comprehensive instructions, including a materials list, when making a selection. Then, all you need to do is follow the steps as outlined.

Who wouldn’t feel proud to know they constructed the very shed they see sitting in the backyard? Choosing to build your own shed provides a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Yes, frustration may be a part of the experience as well, but a good set of plans can get you back on track.

What are Zoning Requirements?

These requirements are local ordinances that dictate things such as the size and placement of the shed. For example, zoning requirements dictate the maximum height of a shed and how far from a structure – like a fence or other building – it must sit. In addition to zoning requirements, it is also important to consider the rules of homeowners associations if applicable. Few feelings are worse than building the perfect shed only to realize it has to come down because it violates an established code.

When choosing a space to construct the shed, consider how you would like to gain access to the building. Visualizing how the shed door will swing open and close will help you identify any obstacles like trees or shrubs. This may seem obvious, but considering how the area around a shed will be used before construction can save a lot of headache once the shed is built.

Interested in another tip? An easy way to maximize storage space once the shed is built is to create a good system of organization. Add shelves and hooks to take full advantage of vertical space. Whatever your reason for building a shed, storage shed plans 12×16are the way to go.

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March 16, 2013

If you are looking for plans for a 12×16 shed, you have probably come across more styles than you ever thought imaginable. When they think of sheds, a traditional barn shape comes to mind for most people. However, there are a number of modern shed plans available to homeowners or anyone in need of a little extra space today.

Traditional Sheds

Barn sheds typically come to mind because their simple design makes them one of the most economical sheds on the market. They are simple rectangular shapes with a standard, pitched roof. In addition, they have no windows and just one door.

Another type of design that is growing in popularity is the garden shed. These small buildings typically take a bit longer to construct than other types of sheds. This is due to the fact they have a great deal of detail.

For instance, when you see a shed with nicely trimmed windows and long roof overhangs, you are most likely looking at a garden shed. In fact, sometimes these sheds can be modified to look just like mini-versions of a house.

Modern Sheds

Individuals who wish to use their extra space for an office or studio are typically drawn to the modern shed design. These sleek sheds have a minimalist look with a lean-to roof, simple trim and plenty of windows to let in the natural light. This is important as no one wants to work in a dark and dreary shed.

If you do not know just what a lean-to shed roof is, this term comes from – you guessed it – a lean-to shed. These buildings were originally constructed with one wall to lean against a larger building, like a barn, for support. When used in the traditional sense, it is not uncommon to find these sheds with open sides. For backyard shed purposes, walls are erected to allow for storage or other shelter purposes.

Unlike the lean-to, a run-in shed actually leaves a good deal of space open on one side. This type of shed is desirable for individuals who own a number of animals. When the weather gets rough, horses or dogs or any other animal on the property can seek shelter in a run-in shed. It also provides much-needed shade in the summer.

Specialty Sheds

For the gardener, a greenhouse shed plan is the way to go. These sheds are typically asymmetrical in shape with one wall slanted at a steep angle. This wall is covered in glass to allow in the proper amount of light required for the greenhouse environment.

Lastly, very small sheds that are intended only for specific storage purposes can be built. These sheds are so small they are typically referred to as enclosures. Just like a run-in shed shelters animals, small enclosures protect valuable equipment like generators from the elements.

As you can see, choices for sheds abound. When choosing a design, most individuals take into account time and expense factors to pick the best plans for a 12×16 shed that will meet their needs.

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March 10, 2013

When you are ready to add on for storage space, shed plans 12×16 size offer a range of solutions. Why choose to build a shed? Most homeowners go this route because these sturdy, durable buildings offer cost-effective solutions that are easy to build.

Step 1: Choose a Shed Design

A number of shed designs are available for selection in today’s market. Gone are the days when only barn-style sheds were the norm. Sheds today go far beyond a basic block figure with a roof, no widows and a padlocked door.

Shed plans come in a number of different designs to fit every personality and usage need. Some plan designs also allow for custom modifications at a small additional cost. The most popular shed designs include:

Barn – country look for yard and garden tool storage

Cape Cod – mimics the look of home designs by the same name

Gable – most popular design with pitched roof and double doors

Gambrel – like the barn but with increased storage area in the roof loft

Garage – includes an overhead door to easily store riding mowers or small vehicles

Things to look for in a set of good plans include detailed instructions and a list of materials. A list of tools needed to build the shed might also accompany the plans. For added convenience, most shed plans are available for immediate download after purchase. This means you can get started on your shed project right away!

Step 3: Purchase the Materials

Before constructing the shed, it is important to thoroughly compile the items on the material list. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a quarter of the way into a project before realizing not all materials are on hand. The materials list is included with the plans to help new shed owners avoid this inconvenience. Individuals can choose to purchase materials directly from the shed manufacturer or at a local lumber yard or hardware store.

Step 4: Assemble the Shed

Do-it-yourselfers may find it easy to build a shed themselves. Because good plans come with a clear set of instructions, a number of people with even the most basic building experience choose to erect their own sheds. Building a shed provides a great sense of accomplishment!

Those individuals who are less handy or simply do not have the time to take on this project can hire a contractor to make quick work of putting up the shed. Professionals can help with a portion or all of the construction. From setting the foundation to erecting the walls to placing the roof, sheds can come together in no time flat.

Building a shed is just four simple steps away. Many people are surprised to find selecting a shed design from one of the many available options is the hardest part of the process. Once the decision is made on shed plans 12×16, moving forward with construction takes little time at all.